"Acute flaccid paralysis is a syndrome resulting from a wide array of underlying conditions. The features are of a fairly rapidly progressing lower motor neurone pattern weakness with potential involvement not only of the limbs but also of muscles of the pharynx, trunk and diaphragm 1."
"There are numerous causes of acute flaccid paralysis (see below) and these causes also vary dramatically between different populations. As such all ages and genders are affected, and these are discussed separately."